Brecht Vandenbroucke is a Belgium-based artist who illustrates the darker side of modern society. His subjects are varied but his work often revolves around one central theme, namely looking at the world from an alternative and often satirical perspective. Whether he's highlighting people's obsessions with social media and technology, emphasizing our habits of following the crowd, or graphically depicting the inevitable cycle of violence that plagues our species, his illustrations act as thought-provoking commentaries on the modern world around us.
More info: Instagram | Brecht Vandenbroucke (h/t: designtaxi)
This post may include affiliate links.
The Human Race
Time To Choose
We choose to see pretty things. That's why we have pretty cat and dog races for pets and hardly anything else. Strong statement.
Will Any Of This Matter?
I've learned since social media became mainstream, that people pretend well. I know many people who base their self worth on the number of likes they get, who pretend to have the perfect marriage, the perfect children, and the perfect life, when the reality is far from that. And people see those posts and aspire to have it, but they don't realize it doesn't exist! I read an article that said the people who post declarative statements of love for their partners on social media, are THE MOST insecure in their relationships. If people put more energy into their relationships as they do convincing others their lives are perfect, perhaps they'd be a lot happier in those relationships. Just something I've noticed....take it with a grain of salt.
You say that like people didn't do that before social media! That's basically part of the human condition! There's always been a lot of people who want to look like they're the best while hiding their darker or inferior sides.
Load More Replies...
I'm sick of all the hate for social media. If it makes someone happy, then why the f**k does anyone care.
Have an upvote from me, too. I don't like all the social media, so I don't participate in all of it. Problem solved.
Load More Replies...
Well, what else does matter then? I think this is overly technology critical. Not all people will be scientists or philosophers, authors or politicans, who will have an idealistic inheritance. If social media ist fun for you, why not get into it, as long as you do not get lost in it? After all, what matters is that you have done more good than harm at the point you are buried!
This is true but I think the message is more that our shouldn't live your life by the number of likes you get on social media, and more try to make the most of life while you have it
Load More Replies...
I've tried to take a step back from social media. It's part of my job so I can't cut it off completely, but since I have given it a smaller role in my personal life, I find m much happier. Spending time with the real people in your life you see that life is Beautiful when experienced in real time and not through an Instagram filter, though, admittedly, I do find instagram fun at times!
Cemeteries and graveyards are a waste of space, anyways. Also cost a heap for quite a heap of nonsensity.
The Noise
Music
It's almost like we live in a world now, where if it's not documented on social media, it didn't happen. 20 years ago no one felt the need to advertise to the world they were at a concert, a restaurant, a movie, etc. Now its a compulsion.
All Of Us
I just avoid all those people, and shop online! Where's my introverts at!?
Democracy
Apparently It Pays Off To Scream Before You Think
This is how our demacrocy works haha. Simple people don't understand how difficult politics are so politician abuse that by giving people simple questions and answers they can comprehend while the question itself is already wrong lol.
The Label Generation
A Planet You Drew Lines On
Everyday We Walk A Thin Line
People who go online are making themselves vulnerable. There is no safety net to fall on if you make one false move. You just fall and there is no one to save you because you can only walk alone. When your offline you don't have to worry about the dangers of online dangers and you can go outside, enjoy the day with your family.
Humo
There are two kinds of people in this world - neither of them correctly proportioned.
Young Minds In Critical Condition
How I feel at work. People giving me conflicting criticism each saying I need to listen to them and only them but they won't ever talk it over with each other and come to an agreement. I need a new job.
We Need More Strong Artists
A Selection
First Date
Let’s Play!
The smart kid is noticed by his/her peers and not by the teacher, probably because he/she is the smart one at the back of the class who stays quiet and puts his/her head down and works
Street Cleaning Program
Take Over
You Guys Can't Hang Here
Theater
Technology To Teach
Part Timer
We try to race and speed through our meaningless jobs so we can go home and enjoy our families and relax.
Mozart
Who Needs Ears When You Can Listen To Yourself All Day
For Sale
Well, the problem is you're selling elaborate coffins in this day and age. Too expensive! And the person's dead! They don't need it! Cremation has gotten significantly more popular. I would also recommend investing in natural burial methods - with any luck they'll be next to catch on. (Yeah, yeah, not the point, I know.)
The Work Is Never Done
Freedom
Time Out
Everyone needs one day off a week to just collect themselves its a real shame...
Never Gonna Stop Me
We Must Adapt To Survive
I'm Checking In
Digital Vs Paper
Rekto Verso
These cartoonists, always being so critical of the only thing that makes them known to us in the least subtle or nuanced ways possible. I don't like this trend.
When The Job Is Done
I'm very confused. What do various "sailor" characters have to do with body horror?
This is sad. Not the artwork but the fact that someone is so miserable this was all they could create. There is one great truth in this world; you can either go through life with a smile, try to make right what wrongs you can in the world but try to see the light between dark places as you do, or do this; mope around and focus on negativity and do nothing to change it but judge everyone for how they choose to live. Some of these are clever. I got a smile out of the country borders one, because that's something that actually matters, but the hate for social media and modern music and internet and technology is frankly immature. People change. Humanity changes. You can't stop it, it's natural. As a matter of fact living in the old world and refusing to change is what causes most of the worlds issues. I need not bring up why racism still exists.
It's not like this is unexpected though. Our ancestors said the same thing about every essential developement we have today from medicine to radio to airplanes, and we will continue to do the same to out descendants. Why not create something and bring color and life into this world, instead of remind everyone of every reason the world is a dark and terrible place. Why not do something to change the world, donate to a foundation, or join a protest, or help someone who needs it, and be happy you made a difference, rather than try to destroy what little faith humanity has left in itself.
Load More Replies...
This artist makes it seem like everyone is failing. I honestly believe there a lot more good people out there in the world then this artist seems to depict.
Great illustrations of some very important concepts. I may not agree with the perspective in many, but the fact that the issues are so very well illustrated is wonderful. These works of expressive art surely generate very worthwhile thought and starting points for meaningful discussion. Keep up the great work!
The ones who designed this should be punished ! U people are the culprits trying to change the world from taking a ways people's freedom of thinking ! Ha ha ha ! Just kidding ! I love who ever that person is ! I applaud u ! And I love u for the work !
This is sad. Not the artwork but the fact that someone is so miserable this was all they could create. There is one great truth in this world; you can either go through life with a smile, try to make right what wrongs you can in the world but try to see the light between dark places as you do, or do this; mope around and focus on negativity and do nothing to change it but judge everyone for how they choose to live. Some of these are clever. I got a smile out of the country borders one, because that's something that actually matters, but the hate for social media and modern music and internet and technology is frankly immature. People change. Humanity changes. You can't stop it, it's natural. As a matter of fact living in the old world and refusing to change is what causes most of the worlds issues. I need not bring up why racism still exists.
It's not like this is unexpected though. Our ancestors said the same thing about every essential developement we have today from medicine to radio to airplanes, and we will continue to do the same to out descendants. Why not create something and bring color and life into this world, instead of remind everyone of every reason the world is a dark and terrible place. Why not do something to change the world, donate to a foundation, or join a protest, or help someone who needs it, and be happy you made a difference, rather than try to destroy what little faith humanity has left in itself.
Load More Replies... This artist makes it seem like everyone is failing. I honestly believe there a lot more good people out there in the world then this artist seems to depict.
Great illustrations of some very important concepts. I may not agree with the perspective in many, but the fact that the issues are so very well illustrated is wonderful. These works of expressive art surely generate very worthwhile thought and starting points for meaningful discussion. Keep up the great work!
The ones who designed this should be punished ! U people are the culprits trying to change the world from taking a ways people's freedom of thinking ! Ha ha ha ! Just kidding ! I love who ever that person is ! I applaud u ! And I love u for the work !
